§ Mr. Traceyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his Department's understanding of essential boarding need; and to what extent it is being met.
§ Mr. DunnEssential boarding need arises under section 52(1) (a) of the Education Act 1944, which places a duty on a local education authority to arrange for boarding, free of charge, for a pupil whom it considers could not otherwise be provided with an education suitable to his age ability and aptitude or special educational needs. As far as I am aware all local education authorities discharge this duty.
§ Mr. Traceyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will provide a breakdown by local education authority of children considered in need of essential boarding.
§ Mr. Traceyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied that local authority provision to meet essential boarding need is equitable across the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend's responsibility on this subject extends only to England. A local education authority is under no duty to maintain its own boarding provision. Essential boarding need may be met also by taking up a boarding place in either a school maintained by another authority or an independent school.